Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Diseases

Allergic diseases and immunodeficiency diseases that occur in the absence or dysfunction of any of the elements that make up the immune system are examined in hospitals by the Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Diseases.

Our defense system, which protects our body against microorganisms or all harmful antigens and consists of many tissues, organs and molecular elements, is called the "immune system". The response of the immune system to foreign antigens is called the "immune response". The hypersensitivity syndrome that develops when the immune system gives an unnecessary and exaggerated response to foreign antigens that do not harm our body is defined as “allergy”.

Pediatric Immunology and Pediatric Allergic Diseases Sub-Specialist Physician

Pediatric Immunology and Pediatric Allergic Diseases doctors complete their specialization in child health and diseases with the Medical Specialization Exam (TUS) after receiving 6 years of education at the faculty of medicine. After this 4-year education, they specialize in Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases, which they preferred with the Sub-branch Specialization Exam (YDUS) for another 3 years.

In Which Cases Should a Pediatric Allergist Be Consulted?

Diseases commonly seen in the childhood age group:

• Atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, urticaria: Identification of the responsible allergen is important in the success of the treatment.
• Food allergy and anaphylaxis: Especially in life-threatening “allergic shock” (anaphylaxis) cases, follow-up is absolutely necessary.
• Frequently recurring cough: History of bronchiolitis: In children with asthma, the diagnosis of asthma is confirmed in this section.
• Eczema treatment: In cases that do not respond to local treatments, the underlying immune deficiency should be investigated.

Conditions that should be evaluated for immune deficiency:

• Frequent middle ear infections or respiratory tract infections.
• History of serious infections requiring hospitalization.
• Continuous antibiotic treatment.
• Family history of immune deficiency.
• Passage of the umbilical cord fall.
• Disease development after live vaccine.
• Persistent thrush in the mouth.

When such situations are referred to different branches, diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. Therefore, awareness is important.

Tests and Examinations Performed in the Pediatric Allergy Department

Tests used in the diagnosis of allergic diseases:

• Skin Prick Test: Allergy skin test.
• Patch Test: Detection of allergy on the skin.
• Specific IgE: Allergy test in the blood.
• Food Challenge Test (Oral Provocation): Applied for food allergy.

For asthma diagnosis:

• Above the age of 7 respiratory function tests are performed in patients.
• Radiological imaging methods can be used to exclude non-allergic respiratory diseases.

Immune system evaluation:

• Complete blood count, immune antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE).
• Evaluation of vaccine responses.
• Ultrasound and advanced genetic analyses, if necessary.

It should be remembered that the diagnostic process is based on the physical examination and professional experience of the physician. Tests are used to support the diagnosis and a correct assessment can only be made by an allergy specialist.

The Treatment Process in the Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergy

The first step in the treatment process is to establish methods to protect against the responsible allergen.

• Allergen elimination: Methods such as avoiding cigarette smoke, regular exercise, and staying away from triggering factors are recommended.

Medical treatment is determined according to the patient's phenotype and the severity of the disease.

• Allergic asthma: Allergen elimination, environmental regulation, medical treatment and allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT).
• Allergy vaccination (AIT):
  • It is a treatment method that changes the course of the disease by increasing immune tolerance.
  • It is a program that lasts 3-5 years and requires regular follow-up.

What is Immunodeficiency and How is it Treated?

Primary immunodeficiency patients should be followed by doctors who specialize in immune system diseases.

Treatment methods:

• IVIG Replacement: Provides replacement for missing antibodies.
  • Can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously every 3-4 weeks.

Severe immune deficiency:

• Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT): It is administered by transplanting stem cells taken from a healthy donor to the patient.

In some cases, enzyme replacement, gene therapy and monoclonal antibodies may also be used.

The Department of Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of allergies and immune system diseases in children. This process improves the quality of life of children and supports their healthy growth and development.